Chronic Urolithiasis and Subsequent Cystectomy in a San Esteban Island Chuckwalla, Sauromalus varius

Cystic calculi were detected during physical examination of an adult San Esteban Island chuckwalla, Sauromalus varius. This lizard had developed calculi on five previous occasions, requiring multiple surgical interventions. Cystectomy was elected to resolve the current episode and to prevent any additional calculi from forming. Plasma osmolarity and biochemistry analyses were evaluated at regular intervals before and after removing the bladder. No adverse clinical or biochemical effects were observed. Cystectomy is a viable option for managing chronic urolithiasis in captive reptiles, however, because the bladder can be a site of post-renal modification of urine, it may not be appropriate in certain species or situations.